Storm damage roofing florence sc Inspection & Insurance Claim Assistance in Florence, SC
Free post-storm roof inspections for Florence County homeowners. We document damage, write the scope report, and help you navigate your insurance claim — without storm chasers, deductible waivers, or pressure tactics.
📷 Documented Photo Evidence Report
🤝 Adjuster-Walkthrough Available
🚫 No Deductible Waivers (SC Law)
📋 Written Scope Reports
How to Tell If Your Florence SC Roof Has Storm Damage
The Pee Dee averages 48+ inches of rain per year, and Florence sits in a corridor that channels tropical moisture from the Atlantic during hurricane season (June–November). Hail events are most common March through May and again in September and October. Here’s what to look for after any significant storm:
What does storm damage look like on a shingle roof after a Florence SC hail event?
🪨 Hail Impact Fractures
Quarter-sized hail at 60+ mph velocity causes circular impact fractures in the asphalt mat — visible as dark, bruised spots or small craters with missing granules at the center. Often invisible from the ground. An adjuster who doesn’t get on the roof will miss them.
🌀 Wind Lift & Missing Shingles
Winds above 60 mph — common in Florence County with tropical systems — can break the adhesive seal strip on shingles. You’ll see lifted corners, creased shingles, or full missing sections. Ridge caps are typically the first to go.
🍂 Granule Loss in Gutters
Granules are the colored aggregate on shingle surfaces that block UV and protect the asphalt mat. After a hail or severe wind event, granules accumulate in gutters and downspouts — looks like coarse sand or coffee grounds. Significant granule loss means the shingle’s protective layer is gone.
💧 Ceiling Stains & Wet Insulation
Water stains on ceilings or walls typically appear 24-72 hours after a storm breach. In Florence’s heat and humidity, wet attic insulation begins molding within 48-72 hours. If you see a new stain, the clock is running — call for an inspection before it gets worse.
🔩 Dented Metal Flashings & Gutters
Hail leaves distinctive round dents on soft metals — aluminum gutters, zinc flashings, HVAC caps, and chimney flashing. These dents are often used as supporting evidence in insurance claims because they show storm intensity at a specific location and time.
🌳 Fallen Tree & Branch Damage
The Pee Dee has significant longleaf pine and hardwood canopy. Tropical winds topple trees onto roofs and the damage ranges from crushed decking to punctured shingles. Even a small branch impact can create a breach that’s invisible until the next rain.
How the Storm Damage & Insurance Claim Process Works in SC
Most Florence homeowners have never filed a roofing insurance claim. Here’s exactly what happens from storm to settlement, and where we help:
What is the step-by-step process for a storm damage insurance claim on a roof in South Carolina?
Free Contractor Inspection — Before You Call Your Insurer
We come out, get on the roof, and document everything with photos and measurements. We write a scope of damage report — every item, every measurement, the repair or replacement recommendation. Having this before the adjuster visits is critical. Adjusters who don’t have a contractor’s report often miss hidden damage like valley flashing, pipe boots, and decking.
File Your Claim With Your Insurer
Call your insurance company’s claims line and report the storm damage. SC law (SC Code § 38-59-20) requires them to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and issue a decision within 45 days. Give them the date and approximate time of the storm — NOAA has archived weather data for every event and we can pull hail maps and wind speed records for your specific address.
Adjuster Visit — We Can Be There
Your insurer sends an adjuster to assess damage. We can meet them on-site. Having a licensed SC roofing contractor present at the adjuster walkthrough ensures no damage items are missed or minimized. We speak the same technical language — shingle mats, ice barriers, drip edge, flashings — and can flag anything the adjuster overlooks.
Review the Estimate of Loss
Your insurer sends an Estimate of Loss — their itemized scope and dollar figure. Compare it to our scope report. Discrepancies are common: adjusters may use depreciated pricing, leave out code-required upgrades (like new drip edge or ice-and-water underlayment required by current Florence County building code), or miss damage items entirely. You have the right to dispute the estimate.
Supplemental Claims & Dispute Process
If the initial estimate is too low, we help you prepare a supplemental claim with additional documentation. If the insurer denies covered damage, you can request appraisal (a binding dispute resolution process) under SC’s standard HO-3 policy, or file a complaint with the SC Department of Insurance at doi.sc.gov. We’re familiar with this process and can advise throughout.
Settlement, Permit & Repair
Once the claim settles, we pull the permit from Florence County Building Department, complete the repair or replacement, and schedule the county inspection. Your insurer releases the recoverable depreciation (RCV holdback) after repairs are complete and you submit the final invoice. We provide all documentation in the format your insurer requires.
A Licensed Local Contractor — Not a Storm-Chasing Crew
- SC Residential Roofing Contractor — license verifiable at LLR.SC.gov
- General liability and workers’ comp insurance — certificates on request
- We have worked through Hurricane Florence (2018), Dorian (2019), and multiple severe hail events in Florence County
- We know NOAA’s archived hail and wind data for the Pee Dee — we pull it for every claim
- We do not waive deductibles — it’s insurance fraud under SC Code § 38-55-540
- All inspections are free, no obligation, no pressure to sign anything same-day
- We provide written scope reports suitable for insurer submission
⚠️ Storm Chaser Warning — Florence SC
After every major storm, out-of-state roofing crews flood Florence County. Here’s how to spot them:
- No SC contractor license — check before signing anything at LLR.SC.gov
- Deductible waiver offers — this is insurance fraud in SC (§ 38-55-540), not a deal
- High-pressure same-day signing — a legitimate contractor gives you time to decide
- Out-of-state plates, no local address — you’ll have no recourse if something goes wrong
- Demand for payment before work — never pay a full deposit before materials arrive on-site
Florence Homeowners on the Insurance Claim Process
“After the hail storm in April, I had three crews knock on my door the next day — all from out of state, all promising to waive my deductible. I called these guys instead. They came out same day, got on the roof, photographed everything, and were at my house when the State Farm adjuster came. The adjuster missed three valleys. Having a contractor there made a real difference — my settlement was $4,200 more than the first estimate.”
— B. Gregg, Florence SC (Dawson Park area)
“Hurricane Florence hit our house hard — we lost about a third of the shingles and had two places where the deck was exposed for 36 hours before we could tarp. They found mold starting in the attic that I never would have caught without a thorough inspection. The insurance company initially denied the mold claim. These guys provided NOAA weather data for the storm date and the insurer reversed the decision.”
— M. & J. Singletary, Olanta SC
“I didn’t know I had hail damage until they knocked on my door and offered a free inspection — no pressure at all. I figured the roof was fine since nothing was obviously missing. There were 47 hail strikes on the front slope alone. Filed with Nationwide, got a full replacement approved. The whole thing from inspection to final check took about six weeks.”
— C. Williams, Timmonsville SC
Storm Damage & Insurance Claim Questions — Florence SC
How do I know if my roof has storm damage roofing Florence SC SC?
Common signs after a Florence SC storm: missing or lifted shingles, granule loss in gutters (looks like coarse sand), dents on metal flashing or gutters, cracked ridge caps, and ceiling water stains inside. Hail damage is often invisible from the ground — quarter-sized hail at storm velocity causes impact fractures visible only on a close roof inspection. Always call a licensed contractor to inspect rather than relying on a ground-level look.
Does my homeowner’s insurance cover storm roof damage in SC?
Most standard SC HO-3 policies cover sudden storm damage from wind, hail, and falling objects as a covered peril. What’s typically excluded: flood damage (requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy), damage from deferred maintenance, and gradual deterioration. The SC Department of Insurance (doi.sc.gov) regulates these policies and accepts policyholder complaints if a legitimate claim is improperly denied.
Should I call my insurance company before getting a roof inspection?
Call a licensed contractor first. An adjuster’s initial estimate often undercounts damage — especially on hidden items like decking, valley flashing, and pipe boots. Having a contractor’s written scope report before the adjuster visits gives you documentation to counter a low estimate. We can also meet the adjuster on-site to make sure nothing gets missed.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in South Carolina?
Your policy typically sets a filing deadline of 1-2 years from the date of loss. Don’t wait. Storm damage that sits unrepaired in Florence’s climate — heavy summer rain, 75% average humidity — leads to deck rot and mold within days of the initial breach. SC law (SC Code § 38-59-20) requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and make a decision within 45 days.
What is a public adjuster and do I need one in SC?
A public adjuster represents you (not your insurance company) in claim negotiations. Licensed and regulated by SC DOI. If your claim was denied or settled well below the actual repair cost, a public adjuster — who typically charges 10-15% of the settlement — may recover far more than their fee. We can refer you to licensed SC public adjusters if needed.
How do I avoid storm chasers in Florence SC?
Check any contractor’s SC license before signing at LLR.SC.gov. Red flags: out-of-state plates, no local address, offers to waive your deductible (insurance fraud under SC Code § 38-55-540), pressure to sign same-day, and demanding full payment before work begins. A legitimate local contractor gives you time to review any agreement and pulls a permit from Florence County before starting.
What does a Storm damage roofing florence sc inspection include?
Our Florence SC storm inspections cover: shingle surface (granule loss, impact fractures, lifting), ridge cap integrity, all valley flashings, drip edge condition, gutter attachment points, pipe boot seals, skylight and chimney flashing, and any visible decking through damaged areas. We photograph every finding and provide a written report you can submit to your insurer.
Can I get a new roof from insurance if mine is old?
Depends on your policy type. An ACV (Actual Cash Value) policy pays replacement cost minus depreciation. An RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policy pays full replacement cost after you complete the repairs and submit receipts. Most SC homeowner policies are RCV — check your declarations page. The difference on a full Florence County roof replacement can be $6,000-$12,000.
Had a Storm? Get a Free Roof Inspection in Florence SC Today
We inspect, document, and write the scope report — free, no obligation, no pressure. Most inspections are completed within 24-48 hours of your call. If your insurer tries to underpay or deny a valid claim, we’ll help you push back.
SC Licensed · Free Written Scope Report · No Deductible Waivers